civility
Americannoun
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courtesy; politeness.
- Synonyms:
- tact, amiability, affability
-
a polite action or expression.
an exchange of civilities.
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Archaic. civilization; culture; good breeding.
noun
-
politeness or courtesy, esp when formal
-
(often plural) an act of politeness
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of civility
1350–1400; Middle English civilite < Middle French < Latin cīvīlitāt- (stem of cīvīlitās ) courtesy. See civil, -ity
Explanation
Civility is the act of showing regard for others by being polite, like the civility you showed in speaking kindly to someone who has hurt your feelings. Civility comes from the Latin word civilis, meaning "relating to public life, befitting a citizen," in other words, being friendly and nice to everyone. When you show civility, you use kindness and good manners. You are respectful, even if you do not like that person very much. Civility can also mean formal politeness, like your behavior at a fancy dinner.
Vocabulary lists containing civility
We the People: Civ
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"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson
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John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It means conducting ourselves with dignity and civility.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
Collectively, they are attacks on basic principles and norms of democracy, civility, decency, equality, fairness, and dignity that American civic life nominally rests on.
From Salon • May 26, 2026
But to me, Dahlia, the real issue about civility isn’t just judge to judge.
From Slate • May 12, 2026
Vorderman's radio show was not on the "flagship" list and the issue with her posts was to do with civility, rather than impartiality.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
Freedom without civility, freedom without the ability to live in peace, was not true freedom at all.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
